By Your gym clothes go through a lot during your workouts, whether they’re group fitness classes, a run, or a workout with your personal trainer in Hampton – sweat, odour, bacteria, and repeated use. Properly washing and caring for your gym clothing not only helps maintain their quality and longevity but also ensures they remain fresh and clean, ready for your next training session. Here are the essential tips from a fitness studio in Hampton on how to keep your gym clothes in excellent condition.
Separate gym clothes from regular laundry
First and foremost, it’s essential to separate your gym clothes from your regular laundry. Gym clothes often contain sweat, bacteria, and dirt, which can transfer to your other clothing items, so it’s best to put them in a separate laundry basket right after your workout, if possible, especially if you’ve had a high intensity workout like in group fitness classes. Washing them separately helps prevent any cross-contamination and ensures your regular clothes remain fresh and clean.
Pre-treat stains and odours
Before tossing your gym clothes into the washing machine, take a moment to pre-treat any stains or odours. Apply a small amount of detergent or a stain remover directly to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. This step helps break down the sweat and bacteria build-up, making it easier for the detergent to do its job effectively.
Turn clothes inside out
One of the best tips from a personal trainer in Hampton is to turning your gym clothes inside out before washing them can help preserve the colours and prints on the outside. Gym clothing is expensive, so it pays to keep them looking great! It also allows the detergent and water to directly contact the areas that have come into contact with your sweat, oils, and bacteria, ensuring a more thorough clean.
Use the right amount of laundry liquid
Using too much laundry liquid can leave residue on your gym clothes, affecting their breathability and performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and use the recommended amount for the size of your load. Our fitness studio in Hampton recommends using a chemical-free natural laundry liquid designed for delicate clothing will ensure you don’t have any residue on the clothing that can irritate your skin, and it can also help maintain your gym clothes for longer!
Wash in cold water
As every gym-goer and personal trainer in Hampton knows, elasticity is everything when you’re working out! To protect the elasticity and overall quality of your gym clothes, choose cold water when washing. Hot water can cause fabrics to shrink and lose their shape over time. Cold water is just as effective in removing sweat and odours while being gentle on the clothing fibres. And it saves money too!
Avoid fabric softeners
Fabric softeners may leave a coating on your gym clothes, reducing their moisture-wicking abilities and breathability. This residue can also irritate your skin, especially when you’re having a high-intensity workout like in group fitness classes. Avoid using fabric softeners when washing your activewear. Instead, our fitness studio in Hampton recommends that you skip the softener or consider using vinegar as a natural fabric softener alternative. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften the fabric without harming its performance.
Skip the dryer
Air-drying your gym clothes is the best option to preserve their elasticity and prevent any potential damage. The high heat from the dryer can break down the elastic fibres and cause fabrics to shrink. Hang your gym clothes on a clothesline or lay them flat on a drying rack. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting or a delicate cycle.
Store your clean gym clothes properly
After washing and drying your gym clothes, store them properly to keep them fresh until your next workout. Avoid leaving them in a damp gym bag or a confined space, as this can lead to mould and mildew growth. Instead, our fitness studio in Hampton recommends that you store them in a cool, dry place or a well-ventilated gym bag.
Properly washing and caring for your gym clothing is essential to maintain their performance, longevity, and freshness. By following these tips, you can ensure that your activewear remains in top-notch condition, providing you with the comfort and confidence you need during your workouts. Treat your gym clothes with care, and they’ll continue to support your fitness journey for years to come.
Join an all-women’s fitness studio in Hampton for your best ever workout!
The great thing about our fitness studio in Hampton is that it’s an all-women gym! This means we understand everything that impacts your health and fitness as a woman and have holistic fitness and health options to deliver a flexible fitness journey! Whether you are looking for group fitness classes, individual sessions with a personal trainer in Hampton, workouts at your own pace, or a mix, we deliver it all.